16 Questions
What is a niche?
The environmental conditions an organism needs for survival
When does competition occur in a niche?
When two organisms have the same requirements for food, water, and nesting sites
What is a limiting resource or limiting factor?
A resource that limits the size of a population
What is interspecific competition?
Competition between individuals of two separate species for the same resource
Which of the following best describes intraspecific competition?
Competition between members of the same species for the same resource in the same area
What is interference competition?
When a species directly and aggressively interferes with another's ability to obtain resources
What happens during interference competition?
One species physically excludes another from obtaining resources, even if the resource is abundant
Which scenario best exemplifies interference competition?
One species aggressively excluding another from obtaining resources
What is the role of a niche in competition among organisms?
To determine the availability and access to resources for each organism
When does interspecific competition occur?
When individuals of two separate species compete for the same resource in the same area
Which of the following is NOT considered a part of an organism's niche?
The size of the population
In which type of competition do individuals of two separate species compete for the same resource in the same area?
Interspecific competition
What is the term for a resource that limits the size of a population?
Limiting factor
In which type of competition do members of the same species compete for the same resource in the same area?
Intraspecific competition
What happens during interference competition?
A species directly and aggressively interferes with members of another species
Which of the following is NOT a part of an organism's niche?
The organism's genetic makeup
Study Notes
- A niche is the specific environmental conditions and resources an organism requires for survival.
- Niches include temperature, soil, humidity, sunlight, food sources, water, nesting sites, hibernation space, and relationships with other organisms.
- Overlapping niches can lead to competition, which occurs when two organisms have the same requirements for resources.
- Limiting resources or limiting factors restrict population size and can lead to competition.
- Interspecific competition: two different species compete for the same resource in the same area.
- An example of intraspecific competition: all members of the same species competing for the same resource in the same area.
- Interference competition: one species actively prevents another from accessing a resource, even if the resource is abundant.
- Size and age differences can contribute to interference competition, with larger or older organisms excluding smaller or younger ones.
Test your knowledge about the concept of niche and competition in ecology. Understand how an organism's habitat, environmental conditions, biological factors, and behavior contribute to its niche, and how competition arises when two niches overlap.
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